Full Kitchens, Calm Water, and a Beach That Delivers: Secret Harbour Beach Resort Reviewed

For families who find standard hotel rooms constraining, Secret Harbour Beach Resort’s apartment-style units — studios through three-bedroom condos, most with full kitchens and separate living areas — are the central selling point. Set directly on Nazareth Bay, the property earns its Family Preferred rating primarily through self-catering practicality and a beach that genuinely suits young children: calm, clear water with snorkeling accessible straight from shore. That said, families expecting a resort that entertains the kids independently will find this property is not built that way — there is no kids club and no supervised children’s programming on site.

Key Highlights

• Star rating: 4-star
• Price: From $688/night for a family of 4 in peak season (February); average nightly rate approximately $873
• Accommodation: Condo-style family units with full kitchens, up to 3 bedrooms
• Beachfront: Yes — direct access to Nazareth Bay beach
• Kids club: None
• Waterslide / splash pad: None
• Outdoor pool: Yes (note: located on a separate section of the property, a short walk from some units)
• All-inclusive: No
• Best for: Families with elementary-age children and teenagers

Condo Living Is the Real Amenity Here

The kitchen-equipped units are what separate Secret Harbour from a conventional beach hotel at this price point. Being able to stock a refrigerator, prepare breakfasts and lunches, and avoid restaurant bills three times a day makes a measurable difference on a week-long family trip in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The resort also has a convenience store on site, and grocery options are available nearby. Studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts mean the property works for a range of group sizes, and many units include sea-view balconies and separate living and dining areas — practical for families where kids need to sleep before adults do.

One caveat worth flagging before you book: some units are reported to have dated decor and outstanding maintenance issues. When reserving, it is worth contacting the property directly to ask about recently updated rooms.

The Beach Is the Strongest Argument for Staying Here

Nazareth Bay’s protected, shallow water means younger children can wade and swim without strong surf to contend with. The bay is also genuinely productive for snorkeling — there is a floating swim platform anchored offshore that older children use as a jumping platform, and the reef accessible from the beach supports enough marine life to keep snorkelers occupied. On-site watersports rentals include kayaks and paddleboards, and scuba diving lessons are available for families wanting to go further. The resort’s beach is equipped with sunloungers.

If the family wants to extend beyond the resort’s own water activities, Red Hook — less than five minutes by car — provides ferry access to St. John, which offers some of the most accessible reef snorkeling in the region. Coral World Ocean Park and Coki Beach are both under three miles away. To explore these options, browse family-friendly tours and activities or compare kid-friendly day tours before you arrive.

On-Site Dining

The resort has two restaurants and a beach bar. The Sunset Grille runs a dedicated kids’ menu, which removes at least one logistical headache for parents. A family vacation package is available that includes a dining card alongside a kids-stay-free offer — worth checking when comparing rates, particularly in peak season when the nightly rate climbs steeply. The resort is not within easy walking distance of extensive off-site dining options, so between the kitchen facilities and on-site restaurants, most families will find themselves eating primarily on the property.

Getting There and Getting Around

The resort’s address is 6280 Estate Nazareth, Nazareth, St Thomas 00802. Get directions via Google Maps. Self-parking is available on site. The Red Hook area — under five minutes by car — provides the most useful local infrastructure: restaurants, shops, and the ferry terminal for St. John day trips. Coral World Ocean Park and Coki Beach are both approximately 2.3 miles away, around five to ten minutes driving. A rental car is the practical choice for this property; the location does not lend itself to a car-free stay.

What Recent Guests Say

• The beach and snorkeling are standout highlights across nearly all reviews, with several guests noting calm, clear water and easy sightings of turtles, rays, and tropical fish directly from shore.
• The on-site dining options receive broadly positive feedback, with multiple guests describing meals at the Sunset Grille and related restaurant as consistently enjoyable across multiple visits.
• Staff friendliness is inconsistent — while many reviewers praise the overall helpfulness of the team, a recurring concern across multiple reviews is that certain front desk and bar staff came across as unwelcoming or dismissive.
• Room quality and maintenance are a repeated source of disappointment, with more than one guest noting outdated furnishings, unresolved repair requests, and conditions that feel misaligned with the resort’s pricing.
• Several families with young children comment on the resort’s layout, noting that hillside or upper-floor accommodations feel less practical, while beachfront or ground-floor rooms are seen as the better choice for family stays.

Who This Hotel Suits — and Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere

Secret Harbour works best for families with elementary-age children and teenagers who are self-directed enough to fill their own days. The beach, watersports, tennis courts, and proximity to St. John ferry day trips give active families a solid framework without needing a resort to organize the schedule for them. Families with toddlers will appreciate the calm water, and the kitchen facilities reduce the friction of feeding young children on a schedule.

Families expecting a resort that structures children’s time — kids club, supervised activities, a teens club — will not find that here. Babysitting is listed as available for an additional fee, but there is no broader children’s programming infrastructure. At rates starting around $688 per night in peak season and averaging closer to $873, the value proposition rests almost entirely on the apartment-style space, the beach, and the snorkeling; families who primarily want a pool resort with entertainment built in would be better served by looking at other St. Thomas properties. The pool situation is also worth noting: the main pool is a short walk from many units rather than immediately adjacent to the accommodation, which may matter more to some families than others.

For the full amenities breakdown and Family Fit rating details, see our full Resort Finder profile for Secret Harbour Beach Resort.

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